Bronze Age Metal Treasures: A Window into Ordinary Lives
While archaeologists often focus on studying the elites of society, a new study suggests that we can learn a great deal about ordinary people by examining the hidden treasures of metal from the Bronze Age. This article explores the motivations behind these hoards and argues that they provide evidence for a standardized system of weight that could have functioned as early currency.
Why did people hide metal treasures?
Throughout Europe during the Bronze Age, it was common practice to bury metal objects in the ground or in special places. These hoards often contained a variety of items, suggesting that they held significant value. The reasons for these deposits remain debated, with possible explanations including religious rituals, wealth storage, or future metal recycling.
Bronze as a form of currency?
Archaeologists Nicola Ialongo and Giancarlo Lago analyzed over 25,000 objects from Italian, Swiss, Austrian, Slovenian, and German hoards. They discovered a standardized system of weight that suggests that small pieces of bronze could have served as currency for everyday transactions.
The evolution of standardized forms
Standardization of artifacts like daggers and pottery emerged in the Bronze Age, likely influenced by religious practices and increasing trade. This standardization could point towards the development of an early monetary system, but the exact relationship between material wealth and economic behavior remains unclear.
Understanding money beyond the market
The concept of money is complex and has been debated by economists for centuries. While some view it primarily as a medium of exchange, others argue that it also serves as a unit of account and a social marker.
Metal treasures: More than just wealth
By examining the standardization of metal objects, archaeologists can gain insights into the daily lives and economic practices of Bronze Age communities. The study suggests that metal treasures offer valuable information not only about the wealthy but also about the everyday lives and values of ordinary people.